Travellers warned of methanol poisoning risks in new campaign
Holidaymakers are urged to understand the dangers and symptoms of methanol poisoning.
By BBC News
Holidaymakers are being warned about the dangers of methanol poisoning as a new campaign urges travellers to recognise the symptoms and understand the risks. The campaign, highlighted by BBC News, focuses on educating holidaymakers about the severe health effects of consuming alcohol contaminated with methanol, which can lead to blindness, organ failure and death .
Methanol poisoning occurs when people drink illicitly produced or counterfeit alcohol that contains the toxic substance instead of safe ethanol . Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness and confusion, with severe cases potentially causing visual disturbances, respiratory failure and permanent damage to the nervous system .
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK body responsible for regulating medicines and healthcare products, oversees safety standards for alcohol but does not directly run this specific traveller campaign . Travellers are advised to avoid buying alcohol from unofficial sources, particularly in destinations where counterfeit drinks have been linked to poisoning incidents .
If someone suspects methanol poisoning, they should seek immediate medical attention, as early treatment is critical to preventing life-threatening complications .